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A survey by TIMOCOM reveals a mixed sentiment regarding the situation in the transport market. While a significant number of participants assess the situation for their company as neither good nor bad (47%), notable challenges currently shape the market.
(Erkrath) According to the survey, which involved around 150 professionals from the fields of transport, freight purchasing, and procurement from April 10 to May 15, 2025, 22% rate the situation as rather poor and only 1% as very poor. Only 4% of respondents evaluate the situation as very good. More than a quarter of the respondents (26%) view the situation as rather good. “The results reflect the currently stagnating economic situation,” assesses Gunnar Gburek, Head of Business Affairs at TIMOCOM, the survey results. “The figures illustrate that the majority of companies are facing a mediocre and uncertain market situation.”
Current Challenges and Frequently Mentioned Issues
The open comments from survey participants paint an even more detailed picture of the current challenges. Frequently mentioned issues include the shortage of skilled workers and rising freight rates due to shrinking capacities. Additionally, there is pressure from high fixed and variable costs, which negatively impact profit margins. Uncertainty regarding economic developments and intensified price pressure are also among the challenges that transport companies are currently facing. Particularly in the OEM sector, a difficult market situation is evident, with a significant decline in sales compared to the previous year.
Optimism: Not Everything is Bad
However, some positive aspects were also mentioned, with the situation described as difficult but acceptable. Some companies benefit from long partnerships and annual contracts, which provide them with fewer issues regarding available cargo space than others. Furthermore, there are occasional signs of easing, which could reduce pressure on companies. Some hope for a spring revival and the long-awaited investments in infrastructure by the new federal government.
“The diverse challenges, coupled with an overall weak economic development, will require further organizational and strategic measures from both transport companies and shippers,” says Gunnar Gburek. “Specializing as a transport company or undertaking a stronger diversification of the business model can reduce pressure on margins.”
More information on the development of the transport market in the TIMOCOM Transport Barometer Report here
Graphic: © Timocom
